The Television Academy, the prestigious organization behind the Emmy Awards, has officially announced the creation of the Legacy Award. Unveiled on January 8, 2026, this new accolade is designed to recognize television programs that have achieved a “profound and lasting impact” on global audiences and continue to hold cultural and social relevance.

This marks the first time in nearly two decades that the Academy has introduced a major new honor, with the last significant addition being the Television Academy Honors in 2007. The Legacy Award specifically targets groundbreaking storytelling and timeless characters that have successfully bridged generational gaps.

To ensure the award remains a high-tier distinction, the Television Academy has set strict eligibility requirements. Programs must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum Longevity: Shows must have aired at least 60 episodes across a minimum of five seasons.
• Sustained Influence: Contenders must demonstrate continued relevance to their specific TV genre, existing or new audiences, and broader society.
• Unified Franchises: Multi-series franchises will be evaluated as a single entity and can only be awarded once.

Candidates for the Legacy Award will be selected annually by the Special Awards Committee (formerly known as the Governors Award Committee). The final recipients are determined through a vote by the Board of Governors. Nominations can be submitted by board members, the committee, or even individuals via a formal letter to the Academy.

Recipients of the Legacy Award will be honored with an engraved Emmy statuette, similar to the Governors Award. According to Television Academy Chair Cris Abrego, the honor could be presented during several high-profile windows, including:

1. Creative Arts Emmy Ceremonies
2. The Primetime Emmy Telecast
3. Televerse (The Academy’s public festival)
4. The Television Academy Hall of Fame Ceremony

“The Legacy Award allows the Academy to honor more of television’s rich history and acknowledge the storytellers whose work has resonated with viewers across the globe,” said Cris Abrego. By celebrating programs that have “stood the test of time,” the Academy aims to capture the spirit of both classic broadcasting and the new generation of content creators.

Key Highlights:

• New Emmy Honor: The Television Academy has introduced the Legacy Award for shows with profound, long-term cultural impact.
• Strict Criteria: Eligibility requires at least 60 episodes and 5 seasons, focusing on sustained influence rather than just recent success.
• Renamed Committee: The Governors Award Committee is being renamed the Special Awards Committee to oversee these selections.
• Prestigious Trophy: Winners will receive a full engraved Emmy statuette, which can be presented at various major industry events.